US ready to bring forces to Middle East 'as needed': US General

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Jun 2023 20:24

The general said the recently deployed F-22 jets are meant to ensure regional stability and reset the US' relationship with Russia in Syria.

This image provided by the US Air Force shows US Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, incoming Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, delivering a commemorative speech during a change of command ceremony at al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Thursday, July 21, 2022 (AP)

Combined Forces Air Component Commander for US Central Command Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said on Wednesday during a digital press briefing that the US is ready to send more troops to the Middle East in order to 'deter aggression' in the region.

The comments were delivered in response to a question about the effect of the recent US deployment of F-22 fighter jets in the region.

"We are here to stay, and we will bring forces into the region as needed to deter aggression," Grynkewich said.

Although he did not clarify the kind of aggression the US aims to deter, he said that the recently deployed F-22 jets are meant to ensure regional stability and reset the US relations with Russia in Syria.

"While the US does not have as many forces in the region on a daily basis as we did, say, three or four years ago, we do have the ability to very rapidly bring other forces from outside the region," he said.

Last week, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that it deployed several F-22 fighter jets across the Middle East in response to Russia's alleged "unprofessional" actions.

Grynkewich alleged that Russian warplanes had tried to bait US jets into "dogfighting" over Syria.

Last month, the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria said US Air Force instigated a provocation towards Russian troops after the Americans activated their weapons systems as soon they approached a Russian military aircraft.